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Summary

The RN, Transition to Practice job opportunity is an educational program designed for new graduate nurses who will earn a RN degree and gain licensure prior to the start date of employment. Qualifying for this position is in compliance with the Registered Nurse Qualifications Standard; however, the RN Transition to Practice program will consider applicants who will earn a degree and gain licensure prior to the start date of employment.
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Responsibilities
The North Florida South/Georgia Veterans Health System Registered Nurse Transition to Practice Program is designed for the post graduate registered nurse who has completed an entry level nursing degree at the Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate, or Master's level. Post graduate registered nurses with no previous experience as a registered nurse are eligible to apply. Degree must be conferred within one year prior to the program start date. Classes are held at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.

The nurse residency program was developed to support post graduate registered nurses during the first year of practice in an acute care, critical care, emergency department, behavioral health, long-term care, and operating room areas within the facility. The post graduate registered nurse will participate in an orientation program under the guidance of a qualified preceptor. The length of clinical orientation will vary according to the needs and progress of the nurse. Clinical areas are assigned based on organizational needs. Didactic sessions are scheduled during the year to facilitate transition and achieve competency in key knowledge, skills and responsibilities of a registered nurse. Transition to Practice Registered Nurses are guided in their professional development through precepting and mentoring in the clinical setting.

The program design and content are guided by:
- VHA Directive 2011-039, VHA Registered Nurses (RN) Transition-To-Practice Program, November 23, 2011.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's (CCNE) Standards for Accreditation of Entry to Practice Nurse Residency Programs (CCNE, 2015) Patricia Benner's theory of "Novice to Expert" ( 1984)
Transition to Practice Nurses are expected to:
- Begin employment Spring or Fall 2021 cohorts
- Have an active, non-restricted RN license by the following start dates:
  - 16 February 2021
  - 16 August 2021
- Attend classes and activities as assigned
- Complete assignments within the required timeframe
- Be available to work as scheduled on assigned units. Shifts may be 12 hours, 8 hours or a combination of both
- Hospital Orientation and NSO (Nursing Service Orientation) are scheduled during regular daytime business hours. Initial Nursing Unit Orientation occurs during the scheduled work shifts of the unit preceptors. Upon completion of orientation, work shifts are scheduled according to unit needs in fulfilling the mission of caring for America's veterans. Successful candidates must have the flexibility to work a variety of shifts as assigned, to include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Must be able to start this full-time position on or before the specified start dates as described on USA Jobs
Selected candidates holding a diploma or Associate degree will affirm their commitment to pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Participants who successfully complete the program requirements will be presented with a certificate of completion at our annual graduation celebration.

Work Schedule:
- Must be available to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Be available to work as scheduled on assigned units (Shifts may be 12 hours, 8 hours, or a combination of both)
- Work week will vary, but includes weekdays, weekends and holidays
- Shifts vary, but will include nights/days/evenings
Please note: Many openings for entry level nurses will be on evening/night shift only. (Preference for scheduling is based on staff seniority).

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None
Job family (Series)

0610 Nurse
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Designated and/or random drug testing required
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

English Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve indirect patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Education: Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
-OR -
The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6)
- OR -
In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.

RN, Transition to Practice Program: Degree for initial entry to practice professional nursing should be conferred within one year of the start of the program (18 Feb 2021 or 17 Aug 2021).

License/Registration Requirement: A Registered Nurse appointed to a position within the Veterans Affairs must possess a current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the U.S. or in the District of Columbia.

License - RN Transition To Practiace: In order to be considered eligible for the position of RN, Transition to Practice, you must have a current, full, active and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the U.S. or in the District of Columbia before the start date of February 18, 2020, August 17, 2020.

Preferred Experience: No previous work experience as a licensed Registered Nurse.

Grade Determinations: (This position is designated for a "Nurse I" grade only) The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

Nurse I Level I - An Associate Degree (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing, with no additional nursing practice/experience required.

Nurse I Level II - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 1 year of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a bachelor's degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience; OR a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) with no additional nursing practice/experience.

Nurse I Level III - An ADN or Diploma in Nursing and approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR an ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a BSN with approximately 1-2 years of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.

Nurse II - A BSN with approximately 2-3 years of nursing practice/experience; OR ADN or Diploma in Nursing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Master's degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.

Nurse III - Master's degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year's of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree. Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Moderate Carrying (15-44 lbs.);Straight Pulling (up to 2 hours); Pushing (up to 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Both legs required; Walking (up to 8 hours); Standing (up to 8 hours); Repeated bending (up to 2 hours); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16";Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and 20/100 in the other; Good distance Vision; Depth Perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This announcement has two cut-off dates to receive applications:·
- October10, 2020, for the Spring 2021, cohort program start date
- March 5, 2021, for the Fall 2021 cohort program start date

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Other

Drug test required

Yes
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Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
VA Form 10-2850can be found at: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- OF-306
- VA Form 10-2850a
- 2 faculty evaluation forms completed by 2 clinical instructors (Please Note: this form will be emailed to applicant with referral notification once JOA is closed)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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Benefits

A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/05/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10864166.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
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Agency contact information

Gail Pezzner

Email

GAIL.PEZZNER@VA.GOV

Address

Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
1601 Southwest Archer Road
Gainesville, FL 32608
US

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Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job-related information, which may include, but not limited to: responses to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; completion of a work sample; and/or contact for a Performance Based Interview (PBI). For more information about PBI, please visit: http://www.va.gov/pbi/

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/573793000. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

RN - 2021, Transition to Practice for New Graduate Nurses

Department of Veterans Affairs

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

Pay scale & grade

Salary

Appointment type

Work schedule

Locations

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Videos

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)